THE line-up and running order have been confirmed for a day-long blues, rhythm and rock session at a new venue.

More than eight hours of moody music performed by seven big names in the field is promised at the eighth annual Durham Blues Festival.

Previously staged at Dunelm House, the students’ union building in New Elvet, and at the Gala Theatre, in Durham city centre, it has moved a few miles along the A690 to a larger venue, the 2,000 capacity Rainton Meadows Arena, at Rainton Bridge, Houghton-le-Spring.

It takes place on Saturday June 23, with a 1.45pm start featuring Swiss guitar prodigy Felix Rabin.

He is followed by the Kris Barras Band, at 2.35pm, Ken Pustelnik’s Groundhogs, at 3.30pm, and the Stevie Nimmo Trio, at 4.45pm.

Laurence Jones starts the evening entertainment at 6pm, followed by Chantel McGregor at 7.20pm, with the crescendo reached by British blues veterans the Climax Blues Band from 8.40 until the closing number, at 10pm.

Tickets, from £27 are available via email to solidentertainments@live.co.uk, or by ringing (01472) 349222.